A Practical Guide to Mental Disorders No. 3 —– How to choose the right psychotherapy?

  You can choose a psychotherapist based on the following three points.  The first and most important point is the healthy personality of the doctor. The influence of a healthy personality on the patient is the fundamental reason why psychotherapy can be effective. Personality is difficult to evaluate objectively and is mainly based on subjective experience. This experience, after having initial contact with the doctor, creates a feeling of trust and liking. Even if the personality of this psychotherapist is fundamentally healthy, it may not be appropriate for all patients. This is because research has shown that not one psychotherapist can be suitable for all types of patients, and that only those whose doctor and patient personalities are a better match can produce more desirable treatment results. Thus, those doctors who, at the initial meeting, easily make the patient feel good may be more helpful for that particular patient.  The second point is the doctor’s theoretical level. This can be indirectly understood from his or her education, the degrees he or she has received, the training he or she has received, and the explanation of the psychological problems during the consultation.  The third point is the therapeutic technique. Therapeutic techniques include listening techniques, parsing techniques, and revision techniques. The understanding of the skill level can be done gradually through the length of the therapist’s work experience, the pace of the treatment process, the ability to cut into key points, and the deep and thorough understanding of core complexes.  In addition, one can also learn about the therapist’s background and competence as a reference for choosing a psychotherapist through academics or peers in psychotherapy.  In general, those psychotherapists who seem amiable, understanding, trustworthy and likeable, have a medical or psychological background, are highly educated, have received professional training, have a long and rich experience in psychotherapy, are more experienced, are in their 30s, preferably above middle age, and are recognized by professional psychotherapy associations or society, may be more suitable psychological, therapists. Ultimately, it is up to the patient to actually feel it in the psychotherapy process. When you consider some of the above mentioned reference conditions, it may make your choice more efficient.